Photos of Discovery's Final Mission: STS-133

Shuttle Discovery Poised for Last Launch

Space shuttle Discovery stands bathed in light ahead of its last launch into space on Feb. 24, 2011 on NASA's STS-133 mission.

Here to Go

Space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 crew arrived on the Shuttle Landing Facility runway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard four T-38 jets, on Sunday, Feb. 20. NASA plans to launch Discovery on Thursday, Feb. 24.

STS-133 Crew Arrives

Space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 crew arrives at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Feb. 20, 2011. From left: Nicole Stott, Michael Barratt, Steve Bowen, Al Drew, Eric Boe and Steven Lindsey.

Space Shuttle Discovery Launch Pad Banner

As dawn breaks over the Atlantic Ocean near Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a banner proclaims the sentiments of the work force at Kennedy Space Center following the rollout of space shuttle Discovery to the pad. Discovery is set to launch Feb. 24, 2011 on the STS-133 mission.

The Names Have Been Changed

The STS-133 mission patch is based upon sketches from the late artist Robert McCall; they were the final creations of his long and prodigious career. In the foreground, a solitary orbiter ascends space. Stars surround the orbiter. The mission number, STS-133, is emblazoned on the patch center, with crewmembers' names bordering around the scene. This new patch replaces injured mission specialist Tim Kopra with NASA astronaut Steve Bowen.

As Real as It May Seem

STS-133 astronauts Michael Barratt and Nicole Stott, both mission specialists, participate in an exercise in the systems engineering simulator in the Avionics Systems Laboratory at NASA's Johnson Space Center. The facility includes moving scenes of full-sized International Space Station components over a simulated Earth.

Shuttle Discovery's Final Launch Pad Rollout

Space shuttle Discovery, bathed in Xenon lights, rolls out to Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Jan. 31, 2011.

Discovery Shuttle Astronauts Cut Loose in Goofy Photo

STS-133 astronauts take a break from a simulated liftoff countdown next to the space shuttle Discovery. From left: Eric Boe, Michael Barratt, Steve Lindsey, Tim Kopra, Nicole Stott, and Alvin Drew.

Robonaut 2

Robonaut 2, the first human-like robot designed for use in space, is ready for launch.

Space Shuttle Discovery - VAB

Work platforms inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida surround the space shuttle Discovery, its solid rocket boosters and external fuel tank.